Yom Ha'atzmaut

An official ceremony is held annually on the eve of Yom Ha'atzmaut at Mount Herzl.

The ceremony includes speeches by senior Israeli officials, an artistic presentation, a ritual march of flag-carrying soldiers forming elaborate structures (such as a Menorah, a Magen David and the number which represents the age of the State of Israel) and the lighting of twelve beacons (one for each of the Tribes of Israel).

Many Israeli families regardless of observance or affiliation celebrate this day with picnics and barbecues. On the eve of the holiday, people sing and dance in the streets. Balconies are decorated with Israeli flags, and small flags are attached to car windows.